Chemistry at Youngstown State University

Borrowing roughly $25,750 for a chemistry degree that peers suggest will yield $43,349 in first-year earnings puts Youngstown State near the middle of Ohio's chemistry programs—a solid starting point but one that requires context. Similar bachelor's programs across Ohio typically produce graduates earning between $43,000 and $48,000 initially, with YSU tracking at the lower end alongside programs like Ohio University-Eastern while trailing flagship options like Cincinnati and Cleveland State by $4,000-$5,000 annually.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 aligns closely with both state and national medians for chemistry programs, suggesting manageable repayment if graduates enter lab work, research positions, or quality control roles immediately. Chemistry degrees typically offer stronger mid-career growth than many liberal arts fields, though initial salaries can feel modest given the rigor of coursework. The real question is whether your student plans to stop at the bachelor's level—many chemistry careers requiring higher pay demand graduate work.

For a family considering YSU's accessible price point (reflected in that below-average debt load) alongside reasonable career prospects, this represents a practical choice if your student is committed to the sciences. The estimated figures suggest typical outcomes for Ohio chemistry programs rather than exceptional ones, meaning success will depend heavily on internships, research experience, and what comes after graduation.